West Virginia University’s women’s basketball team achieved an impressive victory, securing an 83-63 win against McNeese State in the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship. This triumph advances the Mountaineers to the championship game, where they will compete against Ohio State.
Gia Cooke Leads the Charge
Junior guard Gia Cooke was the standout performer, scoring a career-high 24 points on 6 of 9 shooting. The Upper Marlboro, Maryland native made an impactful contribution, hitting 10 of 13 free throws and adding three assists.
Key Performances
- Kierra Wheeler: 12 points, 10 rebounds (first double-double as a Mountaineer)
- Sydney Shaw: 14 points, three steals
- Jordan Harrison: 10 points, seven assists
- Jordan Thomas: 10 points, five rebounds
All starting players for WVU achieved double figures in scoring, contributing to a 54% shooting efficiency from the field. The Mountaineers began the match with an explosive start, scoring the first 14 points within the first five minutes.
Game Progression
Although West Virginia initially dominated, McNeese State fought back, narrowing the gap to 20-17 after an impressive 13-2 scoring run. However, WVU regained control, jumping ahead once more with an 11-point lead in the second quarter. Cooke’s late efforts extended the Mountaineers’ advantage to 39-25 by halftime.
Cooke emerged as the leading scorer in the first half, accumulating 15 points, and the Mountaineers continued to build their lead. They outscored McNeese 24-18 in the third quarter and maintained their pace in the fourth quarter. WVU’s largest lead reached 21 points in the final period.
Season Success
This victory marks West Virginia’s sixth consecutive win to open the season, a feat accomplished for the third time in recent years. Since the 2000 season, it is only the eighth time the Mountaineers have recorded six straight wins.
Upcoming Matchup
West Virginia is poised to face Ohio State in the championship game of the Baha Mar Championship on Wednesday, November 26. The tipoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET.
